Category:Laxmaneshwar Temple, Kharod

Laxmaneshwar Temple, Kharod 

A 6th century Shiva temple in Chhattisgarh
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Instance of	Hindu temple
Location	Chhattisgarh, India
21° 44′ 46.5″ N, 82° 34′ 31.18″ E
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The Laxmaneshwar temple is from early 6th century and is one of the oldest temples in Chhattisgarh. It is also referred to as Laxmeshwar, Lakshamaneshwar and more commonly as the Lakhneshwar mandir.

The temple has long held a significant spiritual and pilgrimage significance to Hindus. The oldest known inscription found here is from the 6th century, it mentions it by name and announces gifts to a pre-existing temple. Many more inscriptions and copper plates discovered in this region mention it affirming its importance across different Hindu dynasties through about the 12th century. It was damaged after the 12th-century, but rebuilt again. Later through the modern era, the regional Hindus built outer walls to protect it, then were repeatedly plastering and painting it. Thus, from outside the temple does not look that old except for the sikhara and certain structures. Inside the temple, many structures including the mandapa pillars and artwork are from the earliest layers of this temple.

Many legends are associated with this temple, including those related to Lakshmana of the Ramayana fame. The most notable Hindu artwork found in this temple include lifesize Ganga and Yamuna, a lifesize Naga near the Shiva linga in sanctum that almost appears real, Shiva-Parvati Ardhanarishwara, Durga, Varaha, Vishnu-Trivikrama and scenes from the Ramayana scenes. Thus, like most major historic Hindu temples, the Lakhneshwar temple includes Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta artwork and iconography – all these continue to attract prayers and offerings in this living temple.